Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of a computer or a computer-controlled robot to

accomplish tasks that would normally be performed by intelligent beings. The phrase
is widely used to refer to a project aimed at creating systems with human-like
cognitive abilities, such as the ability to reason, discern meaning, generalize, and
learn from past experiences.
Since the invention of the digital computer in the 1940s, it has been proven that
computers can be programmed to perform extremely complicated jobs with ease,
such as finding proofs for mathematical theorems or playing chess. Despite ongoing
advancements in computer processing speed and memory capacity, no software has
yet to match human adaptability over a broader range of subjects or in jobs that
necessitate a lot of common sense.
However, certain programs have surpassed the performance levels of human
specialists and professionals in completing specific tasks, and artificial intelligence in
this limited sense can be found in applications as diverse as medical diagnosis,
computer search engines, and voice or handwriting recognition.
What does intelligence entail?

Intelligence is assigned to all but the most basic human behavior, yet even the most

complex insect behavior is never seen as a sign of intelligence. What is the

distinction? Consider how the digger wasp, Sphex ichneumoneus, behaves.

When a female wasp returns to her burrow with food, she places it on the threshold,

checks for intruders within, and then brings her meal inside if the coast is clear.

When the food is moved a few inches away from the entrance to her burrow while she

is inside, the true nature of the wasp's innate behavior is revealed: when she

emerges, she'll keep repeating the process as long as the meal isn't dislodged. Sphex's

intelligence, which is noticeably lacking, must include the ability to adjust to new

situations.

Psychologists often define intelligence as a composite of many different abilities

rather than a single quality. The following aspects of intelligence have been the focus

of AI research: learning, reasoning, problem solving, perception, and language use.